Three Looks

by LtCol Scott Frickenstein, USAF

Officers in the twenty-first century military face a constantly changing set of followers and situations—perhaps more than ever before in history.

One day, we’re leading a team to accomplish a mission in a certain context. The next day, we’re in a different situation with new followers to lead—stepping into the shoes of our now-deployed supervisor, Bible study leader, or colleague.

As Christian officers desiring to exercise biblical leadership—faced with constant flux and in the process of growing in our capacity to lead—how can we best prepare for our next leadership role?

I offer you three “looks.”

Look Back

Taking a reflective pit stop is critical, especially at our Indy 500 pace. “Experience is the best teacher” is a common, but incorrect, adage. Leadership experts now attest that evaluated experience is the best teacher.

Here are a few questions to consider before you move to from one leadership role to the next:

What went extremely well, and what was your part in making it go well? (What were you routinely complimented on by your superiors, peers, or subordinates?)

What went poorly, and what was your part?

What would you do differently?

What are some specific ways God moved as you led?

Did you guard your commitment to your walk with God, leadership of your family, and other priorities?

Have you taken advantage of any “360-degree” feedback tools?

Who stood by you? Have you thanked them in a tangible way?

These questions serve as the dials, gauges, and check-engine lights during your pit stop.

Another great reflective tool as you navigate from one complex context to another is to read or review classics like Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders, The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker and The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner.

Look Around

If possible, interview the incumbent leader. Get as much information as possible, using questions like these:

What have you enjoyed about this role?

What (or who) has been particularly challenging?

Who are the key “go to” people for information or to simply “git’er done” ?